Made In China ?

The athletes that comprise Team USA in the Summer Olympics may have been born in the USA but their outfits? Not so much.

Those were made in China. The classic attire the Olympians will wear at the Opening Ceremonies is constructed in distinctly American colors –red, white and blue. But that’s where the patriotism ends.

The Ralph Lauren-designed duds boast “Made in China” labels. In fact, all the items that comprise the uniforms the US athletes wear have been made elsewhere. Domestic fashion designer Nanette Lepore answered “absolutely” when asked if US-made clothing could have been a realistic possibility. She also believed they could have been manufactured at a cheaper cost, as well.

“Why shouldn’t we have pride not only in the American athletes, but in the American manufacturers and laborers who are the backbone of our country?” Lepore said. “Why? What’s wrong? Why was that not a consideration?”

When contacted about the overseas-made clothing, the US Olympic Committee responded, “The US Olympic team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company.”